Gainsborough murder: Victim’s sister arrives in UK

Claire O’Neill

The sister of murdered Gainsborough man Ivans Zdanovic has arrived in the UK to help police with their enquiries.

The 24-year-old, originally from Latvia, was found dead at his home in Etherington Street, Gainsborough, on 17th January.

A team of detectives from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit is still carrying out enquires in the area and police are continuing their appeal for anyone who has any information to get in touch with them as soon as possible.

Lincolnshire Police has flown Mr Zdanovics’ sister, Oksana Zdanovica- Rjabisenkova, over from Latvia to assist with their enquiries.

She has urged anyone who thinks they can help the police to do so immediately.

“Whoever has done this has taken our loved one away from us. This has had a devastating and shocking effect on us,” she said.

“This could potentially happen to any family and I would ask people to think about that. These people do not deserve loyalty or protection.”

“If you know who they are, or you have any information that you think could help the police, then please tell the police immediately,” she added.

Mr Zdanovics was born and bred in the Latvian city of Liepaja.

He went to school for nine years, before leaving to earn money to support himself and his family.

He spent time Germany, before moving to the UK three years ago.

Mrs Zdanovica- Rjabisenkova continued: “Ivans was a hard-working, caring and kind man who was generous to a fault.”

“He was always there for his friends and family.”

“He lost his grandfather a couple of years ago and that hit the whole family very hard. I travelled to England to spend three months with him and we helped each other get over the tragedy. I’m grateful for that time we spent together.”

“Ivans was an intelligent man. We are from a poor family and he had to leave school to earn money. He hoped one day to complete his education. He had his whole life in front of him.”

Detective Superintendent Stuart Morrison of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit is leading the investigation.

He said: “I am keen you to build up a picture of the lifestyle and movements of Mr Zdanovics.”

“We are particularly interested in the period between 7pm on Thursday 16th January and 11 am the following morning.”

“I would ask anyone with any information about Mr Zdanovics, or his movements in that period to contact me via the non emergency 101 number.”

“Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.